| Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Innervation | Primary Actions | |--------|--------|-----------|-------------|------------------| | | Superior ramus of pubis | Pectineal line of femur | Femoral nerve (L2-L3) & occasionally obturator nerve | Adduction, flexion, medial rotation of hip | | Adductor Longus | Body of pubis (inferior to pubic tubercle) | Middle third of linea aspera (femur) | Obturator nerve (anterior division, L2-L4) | Adduction, flexion, medial rotation | | Adductor Brevis | Inferior ramus of pubis | Pectineal line & proximal linea aspera | Obturator nerve (anterior division, L2-L4) | Adduction, flexion, some medial rotation | | Adductor Magnus | Adductor part: inferior ramus of pubis & ramus of ischium Hamstring part: ischial tuberosity | Adductor part: gluteal tuberosity, linea aspera, medial supracondylar line Hamstring part: adductor tubercle of femur | Adductor part: Obturator nerve (posterior division) Hamstring part: Tibial nerve (L2-L4) | Adductor part: adduction, flexion Hamstring part: adduction, extension (powerful hip extensor when flexed) | | Gracilis | Inferior ramus of pubis & body of ischium | Proximal medial tibia (pes anserinus) | Obturator nerve (anterior division, L2-L4) | Adduction of hip, flexion of knee, medial rotation of tibia (when knee flexed) |
The adductor group is a collection of five muscles located on the medial side of the thigh. Their primary collective function is adduction of the hip joint—moving the leg toward the midline of the body. However, they also play crucial roles in hip flexion, extension, and rotation, as well as pelvic stabilization during gait. These muscles are often referred to as the "groin muscles" and are common sites of strain in athletes. adductor group
While "leading toward the body" is their namesake action, the adductors are far from one-dimensional. Adductor Strains in Athletes - PMC - NIH | Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Innervation